Display device for a vehicle

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a combined display and input device for a vehicle, wherein a virtual first input unit is provided, which is designed as a touch-sensitive screen for operating a plurality of functions and for displaying information. According to the invention, a physical second input unit is provided, wherein the functions can be selected by means of the first input unit and/or the second input unit, and target values of the functions can be set by means of the first input unit and/or the second input unit, wherein the functions and/or target values can be displayed on the touch-sensitive screen.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a National Stage of International ApplicationNo. PCT/EP2011/058724 filed on May 27, 2011, which claims the benefit ofGerman Patent Application No. 10 2010 021 848.0 filed on May 28, 2010and German Patent Application No. 10 2010 042 376.9 filed on Oct. 13,2010, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference.

The invention relates to a combined display and input device for avehicle, whereby a virtual first input unit is provided, which is in theform of a contact sensitive monitor for operating multiple functions andfor displaying information.

It is generally known that in the interiors of motor vehicles multiplefunctions are provided that can be controlled by the occupants of thevehicle. Such functions are an air conditioning system, entertainmentelectronics, communications means, such as for example a mobiletelephone and Internet applications, as well as a navigation system.

For controlling and displaying these functions, various input devicesand display devices from the prior art are known.

A display device of this type with an input device for a vehicle isdisclosed in DE 10 2004 031 334 A1. The display device is coupled to adisplay controller for displaying information on the display device andis divided into multiple logical areas. Using the display controller,information relating to road properties, general and current trafficrules, a route and a driver of the vehicle can be displayed in a firstlogical area of the display device. In a second logical area, dynamicdriving values of the vehicle and warning signs can be shown. Thedynamic driving values include a speed of the vehicle and an enginerevolution rate. In a third logical area of the display device,information relating to an air conditioning system, an infotainmentsystem, a navigation system, a date planner, a so-called guide and acommunications device can be displayed, wherein the communicationsdevice is a telephone. In a fourth logical area of the display device,the same information as in the third logical area can be displayed. Thedisplay device also comprises the input device, which is in the form ofa contact-sensitive monitor, also known as a touch screen. Thus thedisplay device and the input device form a combined display and inputdevice.

A monitor-based vehicle operating system is also known from DE 10 2008041 649 A1, which comprises a control device consisting of acontact-sensitive monitor and a control element. The control elementcovers the monitor, whereby a display on the monitor can be changeddepending on functions selected using the control element.

DE 103 92 383 T5 discloses a multifunction unit for a vehicle comprisinga display screen. The multifunction unit also comprises at least onemechanical button, which partly overlaps the display screen and whenturned causes a change of a software-controlled representation of afunction of the button on the display screen.

The object of the invention is to specify a combined display and inputdevice for a vehicle that is improved compared to the prior art.

The object is achieved according to the invention with a combineddisplay and input device, which has the features specified in claim 1.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are objects of the dependentclaims.

The combined display and input device for a vehicle comprises a virtualfirst input unit, which is in the form of a contact-sensitive monitorfor controlling multiple functions and for displaying information.

According to the invention, a physical second input unit is provided,whereby the functions can be selected using the first input unit and/orthe second input unit and target values of the functions can be setusing the first input unit and/or the second input unit, whereby thefunctions and/or target values can be displayed on the contact-sensitivemonitor. According to the invention, virtual control elements can alsobe displayed on the contact-sensitive monitor as part of the virtualfirst input unit, whereby the virtual control elements are switches,slide controls and/or rotary controls.

A virtual input unit is understood in the present case to be an inputunit that comprises non-physical control elements. The non-physicalcontrol elements can in particular be represented as two-dimensionalsymbols on the contact-sensitive monitor.

A physical input unit is understood in the present case to be an inputunit that comprises physical control elements, e.g. switches, buttons,rotary switches, rotary controls, slide controls, combined switches andcombined controls.

The combined display and input device according to the invention for thevehicle is of simple design and enables simple and intuitive operation.The control of the various functions is carried out with a reducednumber of input and display means, whereby the number in turn is not solow that their operation is too complex for an operator, in particularfor a driver of the vehicle. The virtual control elements are preferablymodeled on real control elements occurring in conventional vehicles, sothat intuitive operation of the combined display and input device ispossible.

Preferably, the contact-sensitive monitor is in the form of a resistive,capacitive or inductive contact-sensitive monitor. Such monitors arecharacterized by long service lives and are available at low cost.Alternatively, the contact-sensitive monitor is in the form of a soundwave-controlled device or of an optically controlled device, e.g. withan infrared light grid in front of the monitor. Its design as aso-called dispersive signal technology device is also possible.

Particularly preferably, the virtual control elements are arranged atdifferent positions on the contact-sensitive monitor depending on theselected function. This enables a clear illustration to be achieved onthe contact-sensitive monitor at all times.

In an advantageous development, the physical second input unit comprisesat least one button, a rotary control, a slide control and/or a combinedcontrol, which further improve the simple operation of the combineddisplay and input device.

The combined control is in particular a combination of a rotary controlwith a press switch and/or a pull switch. This enables multipleoperating steps to be carried out in a very small space with aparticularly small number of control elements with simultaneouslyintuitive control. As a result of the small number of control elements,clarity is improved and thus the operation of the combined display andinput device is facilitated.

Particularly preferably, a function can be selected from multiplefunctions in a main menu using a rotary function of the combined controland can be chosen using a press function of the combined control, and atleast one desired value of the respective function in a submenu can beset using the rotary function and/or press function of the combinedcontrol. The menu structure is characterized by a simple design which iscomprehensible by the user. Operation using the combined control can becarried out in a particularly simple manner. With regards to this, it isadvantageously not necessary for the operator's view to be directedtowards the combined control for operation of the functions to bepossible, and distraction of a driver of the vehicle from the traffic isreduced.

Alternatively or additionally, the functions in a main menu can beselected using the second input unit and subfunctions and/or theassociated target values in at least one submenu can be set using thefirst input unit. The selection of the function whose target value is tobe changed takes place in a particularly simple manner directly byoperating a control element of the physical second input unit. Thesetting of the target values can be carried out in a particularlyadvantageous manner using the first input unit, i.e. using thecontact-sensitive monitor. The control elements are formed and arrangedon the contact-sensitive monitor depending on the function to be set, sothat with a minimized number of control elements an optimal input unitadapted to the function or the target value to be set is alwaysavailable, with which the target value can be accurately and simply set.

According to a particular design, multiple functions and/or targetvalues can be displayed simultaneously and/or multiple target values ofone or more functions can be set simultaneously. In doing this, multipleinformation items are displayed to the user simultaneously and in aclear manner, and operation is possible for the user without complexchanging between a large number of menu options.

The functions, which can be selected and whose target values can be setusing the combined display and input device, are in particular airconditioning functions, functions for controlling entertainmentelectronics, functions for controlling a communications device,functions for controlling a navigation device, functions for controllinga vehicle chassis, functions for controlling a drive train of thevehicle, functions for controlling vehicle lighting and/or functions forcontrolling comfort devices of the vehicle. Comfort devices include, forexample, seat heating, seat ventilation and a parking heater.

Example embodiments of the invention are explained in detail below usingdrawings.

These show:

FIG. 1 schematically a first example embodiment of a combined displayand input device according to the invention,

FIGS. 2A through 2D schematically various states of the display andinput device according to FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 schematically a second example embodiment of a combined displayand input device according to the invention,

FIGS. 4A through 4C schematically various states of the display andinput device according to FIG. 3, and

FIGS. 5A through 5C schematically various states during the operation ofa third example embodiment of a combined display and input deviceaccording to the invention and a sectional illustration of the combineddisplay and input device.

Parts corresponding to each other are provided with the same referencecharacters in all figures.

FIG. 1 shows a first example embodiment of a combined display and inputdevice 1 according to the invention, which is arranged for the displayof information and for operating functions within a vehicle that is notillustrated. The illustrated example embodiment of the combined displayand input device 1 is designed for the operation of an air conditioningsystem and for the display of information relating to the climatecontrol of the interior of a vehicle.

The combined display and input device 1 comprises a virtual first inputunit 2, which is in the form of a contact-sensitive monitor, i.e. as aso-called touch screen. The contact-sensitive monitor in the illustratedexample embodiment is in the form of a capacitive contact-sensitivemonitor, as a so-called Capacitive Interactive Display (abbreviation:CID). Alternatively, the contact-sensitive monitor is a resistive,inductive, sound wave controlled or optically controlledcontact-sensitive monitor. It can also be designed as a so-calledDispersive Signal Technology device.

The combined display and input device 1 also comprises a physical secondinput unit 3, which comprises a combined control 3.1 and four buttons3.2 through 3.5.

Using the buttons 3.2 through 3.5, various functions of the airconditioning system of the vehicle can be selected directly. A firstbutton 3.2 is provided for activating and deactivating an airrecirculation mode of a ventilation system, a second button 3.3 foractivating and deactivating the air conditioning system, i.e. inparticular an air conditioning compressor, a third button 3.4 foractivating and deactivating an intensive ventilation means for awindscreen of the vehicle (=so-called deicing function) and a fourthbutton 3.5 for activating and deactivating a rear screen heater.

The combined control 3.1 consists of a combination of a rotary controlwith a press button and a pull button. Using the combined control 3.1,target values of specific functions of the air conditioning system canbe set.

In the illustrated example embodiment, the target value of an interiortemperature, here 20° C., can be set using a rotary function of thecombined control 3.1 in an illustrated submenu. Changing the targettemperature by means of the combined control 3.1 results directly in achange of the target value, which, for example, is specified for atemperature controller. It is also possible for the interior temperatureselected by turning to be confirmed by pressing the combined control3.1.

Alternatively, it is possible by operating the press function of thecombined control 3.1 on the contact-sensitive monitor to change to amain menu or a so-called drop-down menu, in which the user can selectbetween various functions of the air conditioning system in turn,preferably by turning the combined control 3.1. The desired function isselected by pressing the combined control 3.1. These functions are, inaddition to the control of the interior temperature, control of a blowerstage of the ventilation means and control of various outlet orifices ofthe ventilation means.

To return to the main menu it is possible as an alternative that a pullfunction of the combined control 3.1 can be exercised instead of thepress function of the combined control 3.1.

FIGS. 2A through 2D show the combined display and input device 1according to FIG. 1 in various states, i.e. during operation withvarious menu options.

The virtual first input unit 2 is arranged above the physical secondinput unit 3 or is above and directly connected to the physical secondinput unit 3.

Alternatively or in addition, an arrangement relative to one another ispossible, in which the virtual first input unit 2 and the physicalsecond input unit 3 are arranged to be adjacent, overlapping, adjacentand overlapping and/or one above the other and overlapping.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the illustration on thecontact-sensitive monitor is formed so that a shape of the physicalsecond input unit 3 is imitated or maintained in the illustration on thecontact-sensitive monitor. In other words: the illustration on thecontact-sensitive monitor is carried out so that the visual illustrationappears as part of the physical second input unit 3. This results in alogical, easily understood and intuitively operable arrangement for theuser.

In FIG. 2A, the combined display and input device 1 according to FIG. 1is illustrated in a submenu, in which by turning the combined control3.1 the target value of the interior temperature can be specified. Theset target value of the interior temperature is output on thecontact-sensitive monitor. By pulling on the combined control 3.1 thedisplay and input device 1 reverts to the main menu or the drop-downmenu.

This main menu is illustrated in FIG. 2B, whereby various functions ofthe air conditioning system that are available for selection are showntogether on the contact-sensitive monitor. The functions are, asdescribed above, the control of the interior temperature, the control ofthe blower stage of the ventilation means and the control of variousoutflow orifices of the ventilation means, i.e. a so-called airflowdistribution in the vehicle.

By turning the combined control 3.1, the desired function whose targetvalue is to be changed can be selected, whereby a currently selectedfunction is identified by a marking, for example a colored marking or anillumination. In the present case the function of controlling theinterior temperature is selected.

After rotation of the combined control 3.1 in the clockwise direction,as illustrated in FIG. 2C, airflow distribution control is selected.

By pressing the combined control 3.1, the user enters the submenuillustrated in FIG. 2D, in which in turn the target value for airflowdistribution can be specified by a turning motion of the combinedcontrol 3.1. By a pulling movement on the combined control 3.1, thecombined display and input device 1 reverts to the main menu.

In FIG. 3, a second example embodiment of the combined display and inputdevice 1 according to the invention is illustrated, whereby theillustrated example embodiment of the combined display and input device1 is provided in turn for operating an air conditioning system and forthe display of information relating to the climate control of theinterior of a vehicle.

The physical second input unit 3 encloses the virtual first input unit 2in a framelike manner. In a particularly advantageous manner, theframe-shaped physical second input unit 3 simultaneously forms a framefor mounting the combined display and input device 1 within the vehicle,for example for integration in a dashboard of the vehicle.

The physical second input unit 3 comprises, in addition to buttons 3.2through 3.5, three other buttons 3.6 through 3.8, with which thefunctions of controlling the interior temperature (=button 3.8), thecontrol of the blower stage of the ventilation means(=button 3.7) andthe control of various outflow orifices of the ventilation means(=button 3.6) can be selected directly.

A combined control 3.1 according to FIGS. 1 and 2A through 2D is notprovided. The operation carried out using the combined control 3.1 takesplace on the one hand by means of buttons 3.6 through 3.8, with whichthe respective function is selected, whose target value is to be set.

Setting the target values takes place via the contact-sensitive monitor.Following the selection of the function, the selected function isrepresented symbolically on the contact-sensitive monitor. In theillustrated example embodiment, the internal temperature of the vehicleis selected as the function to be set. A first virtual control element2.1 for setting the target value of the internal temperature can bedisplayed on the contact-sensitive monitor.

The first virtual control element 2.1 is a rotary control, whereby thetarget value of the interior temperature is set by a circular movementin the edge region of the virtual rotary control with one finger of theuser or a so-called input pen.

To leave the submenu, a second virtual control element 2.2, whichsimulates a button, can be displayed on the contact-sensitive monitor.

In addition, a direct change to a different function is possible byoperating one of the buttons 3.2 through 3.7.

Alternatively to the frame-shaped design of the second input unit 3, thefirst input unit 2 and the second input unit 3 are formed by means of acommon contact-sensitive layer 2.9, which is illustrated as an examplein FIG. 5C. This layer 2.9 is in transparent form of glass or plasticand is in the form of a resistive or capacitive layer 2.9 in the entirearea that covers a display unit 2.10 that is also illustrated in detailin FIG. 5C. On touching the layer 2.9, electrical signals are produced,with which a position of the contact can be determined and with whichthe first input unit 2 can be controlled.

To produce the second input unit 3, the layer 2.9 is led out laterallybeyond the display unit 2.10. In the area of the illustrated buttons 3.2through 3.8, capacitive and/or resistive sensors are introduced orformed in the layer 2.9, which on contact trigger the same actions asfor operating the buttons 3.2 through 3.8. For illustration for theuser, the areas in which the capacitive and/or resistive sensors arelocated are also preferably backlit. As a result of this design of thecombined display and input device 1, this has a continuous surface,which has a high appeal and gives a high quality impression.

FIG. 4A shows the combined display and input device 1 according to FIG.3 in the submenu for setting the interior temperature using circular orrotary movements in the edge region of the virtual rotary control.

Actuation of the second virtual control element 2.2 and a subsequentoperation of button 3.7 are necessary to activate the function ofcontrol of the blower stage of the ventilation means. The second virtualcontrol element 2.2 forms a termination means or a so-called exit point.

Alternatively, operation of the button 3.7 alone is sufficient toactivate the function of control of the blower stage of the ventilationmeans.

Following this selection of the function of controlling the blower stageof the ventilation means, which is illustrated in FIG. 4B, setting ofthe blower stage is carried out in turn by circular or rotary movementin the edge region of the first virtual control element 2.1, i.e. of thevirtual rotary control.

In order to exit the function of controlling the blower stage of theventilation means and to activate the function of controlling thevarious outflow orifices of the ventilation means, operation of thesecond virtual operating element 2.2 and a subsequent operation of thebutton 3.6 are necessary. Alternatively, operation of the button 3.6alone is sufficient.

Following this selection of the control of various outflow orifices ofthe ventilation means, which is illustrated in FIG. 4C, setting of theair distribution is carried out by operating the first virtual controlelement 2.1. By operating the control element 2.1 at specific positions,the outflow orifices are activated that are located in relation to thesymbolically illustrated occupants of the vehicle at the actuatedposition in the vehicle.

In FIGS. 5A and 5B, various states during operation of a third exampleembodiment of a combined display and input device 1 according to theinvention are illustrated.

The combined display and input device 1 comprises in turn a virtualfirst input unit 2 and a physical second input unit 3.

The physical second input unit 3 comprises a combined control 3.1 andfour buttons 3.2 through 3.5 according to the physical second input unit3 illustrated in FIG. 1.

The virtual first input unit 2 is in the form of a resistivecontact-sensitive monitor in the illustrated example embodiment.

Using the illustrated third example embodiment of the combined displayand input device 1 according to FIG. 5A, functions of a database,functions of entertainment electronics, in particular of an audiosystem, and vehicle functions can be operated and/or controlled inaddition to the functions of the air conditioning system of the vehiclealready described in the previous figures. The vehicle functions includefunctions for controlling a chassis of the vehicle, functions forcontrolling a drive train of the vehicle, functions for controllingvehicle lighting and functions for controlling comfort devices of thevehicle.

To select the functions, three virtual control elements 2.3 through 2.5can be output on the contact-sensitive monitor, whereby the functions ofthe database can be selected using virtual control element 2.3, thefunctions of the entertainment electronics can be selected using thevirtual control element 2.4 and the vehicle functions can be selectedusing the virtual control element 2.5.

The virtual control elements 2.3 through 2.5 are in the form of virtualbuttons, whereby an associated submenu for the respective functions,which is not illustrated in detail, is opened by touching the virtualcontrol elements 2.3 through 2.5. Operation of the functions within therespective submenu takes place via the contact-sensitive monitor,whereby for this purpose other virtual control elements can be displayedas buttons, slide controls and/or rotary controls in a manner that isnot illustrated.

These virtual control elements and the virtual control elements 2.1through 2.5 are arranged at different positions on the contact-sensitivemonitor depending on the selected function.

In the upper area of the contact-sensitive monitor, an information bar2.6 is also displayed, with which current settings of the functions aredisplayed. In the illustrated example embodiment, the settings of theair conditioning system and the audio system of the vehicle are shown.

By operating the combined control 3.1, in particular by pressing it, thecombined display and input device 1 changes to a menu for setting thefunction of the air conditioning system of the vehicle.

FIG. 5B shows this menu, whereby the function of the interiortemperature, the function of the blower stage and the function of theair distribution means are symbolically illustrated together on thecontact-sensitive monitor.

In the illustrated example embodiment, the interior temperature functionis selected by pressing the combined control 3.1, whereby setting of thetarget values of the interior temperature takes place according to thedescription for FIGS. 1 and 2A through 2D by turning movements of thecombined control 3.1. A change to one of the two remaining functions ofthe air conditioning system takes place by pressing the combined control3.1 again and subsequent selection of the function by means of therotary motion.

Alternatively or additionally, a change to submenus for setting thetarget values of the remaining functions of the air conditioning systemis possible by touching the contact-sensitive monitor in the area of thesymbols of the respective function, whereby the setting within thesubmenu takes place in turn in the described manner using the combinedcontrol 3.1.

Alternatively or additionally, after pressing the combined control 3.1and opening the menu for setting the function of the air conditioningsystem of the vehicle, the individual target values of the function ofthe air conditioning system can be set by operating the virtual controlelements 2.1, 2.6, 2.7 that are generated on the contact-sensitivemonitor.

The first virtual control element 2.1, which is in the form of a rotarycontrol, is provided for setting the interior temperature. The two othercontrol elements 2.6, 2.7 are in the form of virtual buttons, wherebythe setting of the target values takes place by touching thecontact-sensitive monitor once or multiple times.

In FIG. 5C a sectional representation of the third example embodiment ofthe combined display and input device 1 is illustrated, whereby thecombined display and input device 1 comprises the first input unit 2 inthe form of a contact-sensitive monitor. The contact-sensitive monitoris in the form of a resistive contact-sensitive monitor, which comprisesa resistive and transparent layer 2.9. This layer 2.9 produceselectrical signals when touched, with which the position of the contactcan be determined and with which the first input unit 2 can becontrolled. For illustration and/or highlighting of individual areas ofthe resistive layer 2.9, it is backlit at least in some areas.

Furthermore, the first electrical input unit 2 comprises a display unit2.10 for displaying the information, which is arranged with its surfaceextensions parallel to the resistive and transparent layer 2.9, wherebythe display unit 2.10 is covered by the transparent layer 2.9.

The physical second input unit 3 comprises a housing 3.9. The housing3.9 comprises apertures corresponding in a non-illustrated manner to thebuttons 3.2 through 3.5 and to the combined control 3.1, through whichthese are led. An electrical circuit for buttons 3.2 through 3.5 and forthe combined control 3.1 is arranged in the interior of the housing 3.9in a non-illustrated manner.

REFERENCE LIST

-   1 combined display and input device-   2 first input unit-   2.1 virtual control element-   2.2 virtual control element-   2.3 virtual control element-   2.4 virtual control element-   2.5 virtual control element-   2.6 information bar-   2.7 virtual control element-   2.8 virtual control element-   2.9 layer-   2.10 display unit-   3 second input unit-   3.1 combined control-   3.2 button-   3.3 button-   3.4 button-   3.5 button-   3.6 button-   3.7 button-   3.8 button-   3.9 housing

The invention claimed is:
 1. A combined display and input device for avehicle, comprising: a virtual first input unit, which is in the form ofa contact-sensitive monitor for operating multiple functions in a mainmenu and for displaying information; and a physical second input unitincluding a combined control and at least one of at least one button, arotary control, or a slide control; wherein the physical second inputunit is provided adjacent to the virtual first input unit; wherein thecombined control is a combination of a rotary control with at least oneof a press switch and a pull switch; wherein the contact-sensitivemonitor is configured to display at least one of the functions andtarget values; wherein the contact-sensitive monitor is configured todisplay virtual control elements as part of the virtual first inputunit; wherein the virtual control elements comprise at least one ofbuttons, slide controls and rotary controls; wherein the rotary controlof the combined control is configured to select a function from themultiple functions; wherein the press switch of the combined control isconfigured to choose the function; wherein at least one of the rotarycontrol and the press switch is configured to set at least one targetvalue of the function in a submenu; and wherein the contact-sensitivemonitor is configured to form a visual illustration imitating a shape ofthe physical second input unit on the contact-sensitive monitor suchthat the visual illustration appears as part of the physical secondinput unit.
 2. The combined display and input device as claimed in claim1, wherein the contact-sensitive monitor is in the form of a resistive,capacitive or inductive contact-sensitive monitor.
 3. The combineddisplay and input device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the virtualcontrol elements are arranged at different positions on thecontact-sensitive monitor depending on the selected function.
 4. Thecombined display and input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein thesecond input unit is configured to select at least one of the functionin a main menu, and the first input unit is configured to setsubfunctions and the associated target values in at least one submenu.5. The combined display and input device as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe device is configured to at least one of display multiple functionsand target values simultaneously and set multiple target values of oneor more functions simultaneously.
 6. The combined display and inputdevice as claimed in claim 1, wherein the functions are at least one of:air conditioning functions, functions for controlling entertainmentelectronics, functions for controlling a communications device,functions for controlling a navigation device, functions for controllinga chassis of the vehicle, functions for controlling a drive train of thevehicle, functions for controlling vehicle lighting and functions forcontrolling comfort devices of the vehicle.
 7. The combined display andinput device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contact-sensitivemonitor is arranged above the combined control.
 8. The combined displayand input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contact-sensitivemonitor and the combined control are arranged to be overlapping.
 9. Thecombined display and input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the settarget value of the function is output on the contact-sensitive monitorand is confirmed by the press function.
 10. The combined display andinput device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contact-sensitivemonitor is configured to display a submenu of the function in responseto the press function of the combined control being used to choose thefunction, and the contact-sensitive monitor is configured to revert to adisplay of the main menu in response a pull function of the combinedcontrol.
 11. The combined display and input device as claimed in claim1, wherein the contact-sensitive monitor is configured to display atleast one of a marking and an illumination in response to the functionbeing selected by the rotary function of the combined control.
 12. Thecombined display and input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein thevirtual first input unit and the physical second input unit are formedby a common contact-sensitive layer, the virtual first input unit isconfigured to cover a display unit, and the physical second input unitis led out laterally beyond the display unit.
 13. The combined displayand input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contact-sensitivemonitor includes a resistive and transparent layer and a display unit,wherein resistive and transparent layer covers a portion of the displayunit, and the display unit is arranged with surface extensions parallelto the resistive and transparent layer.
 14. The combined display andinput device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the virtual first input unitis configured to display a symbol of the function, and the virtual firstinput unit is configured to change a submenu of the function in responseto a touch on the contact-sensitive monitor in the area of the symbol.15. The combined display and input device as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe contact-sensitive monitor is configured to generate at least onevirtual control element corresponding to the selected function inresponse to the selection of the function by the press function of thecombined control, and the virtual control element is configured to set atarget value of the selected function.